The Press and Blue Ridge Communications are asking the public to remember those who have given so much.

Blue Ridge invites all to participate in Keystone Soldiers and its Stockings for Soldiers program by sending much needed and requested food and hygiene items and Christmas cards to our men and women spending Christmas away from home.

"We owe today's U.S. service members a debt that can never be repaid," said Julianne Farina, marketing/public relations coordinator for Blue Ridge Communications. "Just think of the men and women serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world. They are making tremendous sacrifices to serve our nation and keep America free."

In its 10th year, the Stockings for Soldiers program is 100 percent funded by public donations.

"Since the recession, the donations have diminished," Farina said. "As a result, they sometimes have items to ship, but no money to ship them, or they have the funds, but not donations. Here is where we can help. This year we want to stuff Christmas stockings with much needed items, to be sent to our soldiers just in time for Christmas."

The 2011 collection was a huge success. More than $1,600 was raised for shipping, and close to two tons of items and 1,700 cards for soldiers were collected.

"We appreciate your support for our troops and for Keystone Soldiers," said Kyle Lord, founder of Keystone Soldiers. "I would like to thank the Pencor family for their amazing efforts for Keystone Soldiers and for our troops. We have never worked with a group of people who embraced our project with such commitment and vigor.

"It has been a wonderful experience and is appreciated from the bottom of my heart. This project would not have happened without your support. The employees and donors at Blue Ridge Communications were very special standouts over the holiday season. Their enthusiasm and dedication to our project was unparalleled. Thank you!"

Farina is hoping for the same kind of commitment from the public again this year.

"We would love to support our soldiers near and far," Farina said. "Please join us in recognizing and thanking our defenders of freedom."

The following is a current Christmas Wish List for items to go to military in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Korea and any troops requesting support from home.

"All items are sorted and packed according to the requests we get directly from the troops or their families," Farina said. "Since we are gearing up for the holiday season we have added the special holiday items to our list."

· Christmas stockings: 12-inch to 20-inch in size; handmade or purchased

· Christmas hats

· Paper or plastic Christmas decorations (no glass ornaments or lights)

· Ground or instant coffee and hot tea; coffee creamer, sugar packets

· Power Bars, cereal bars, trail mix, granola bars and healthy snacks

· Slim Jims, beef or turkey jerky

· Sunflower seeds, nuts

· Individual snacks like chips, crackers, cookies, cheese/cracker kits

· Peanut butter and jelly in small plastic jars

· Candy canes

· Small sewing kits and manicure kits

· Sunscreen and insect repellent

· Chap Stick with sunscreen, Blistex

· Deodorant, travel size

· Foot Powder and foot cream for athlete's foot

· Odor Eaters (for boots), Dr. Scholl's foot pads, blister pads

· Hand sanitizer, small size bottles

· Men's and ladies' calf high socks or boot socks in black or white.

· Hand and foot warmers, thermal gloves or glove liners

· New or used game systems like PS3, PS2, WII, Xbox or Xbox 360

· Video games for the systems above or small hand-held games

· CDs and DVDs - New or used. Current releases are appreciated

· AT&T Global Pre-Paid Calling Cards (available at www.aafes.com)

· Money for shipping costs.

U.S. Postal Service regulations do not allow shipping anything in aerosol cans. Shipping to combat zones takes about 14 to 21 days. It takes about a week to get everything sorted and boxed. Check expiration dates on food items.

Farina said they are not accepting any books.